Missing Thibodaux man found dead says Assumption Parish sheriff

BELLE ROSE, La. — The body of the missing Thibodaux man believed shot in the head during a Belle Rose robbery was recovered by fishermen around 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The body of Tony Rodriguez Jr., 23, was recovered in the Rocky Canal, at the Iberville/Ascension parish line near Donaldsonville, Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespack said.

An autopsy is being performed, but Waguespack said he believes Rodriguez died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

A caller on Tuesday to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office 911 number stated that someone had just stolen his vehicle and his friend was shot during a robbery, Waguespack stated in a news release Wednesday.

Detectives learned that the victims were lost travelling down La. 998 in Belle Rose when two black males brandishing firearms stepped in front of their vehicle, he stated.

The victims were forced out of their car and into a nearby abandoned residence, he stated. The victim stated that a physical altercation ensued and shots were fired. One of the victims fell to the ground with what was described as a gunshot to the head. The other victim was able to get away and run to a nearby business to call for help.

The house where the altercation had taken place was set on fire and received extensive fire damage.

Louisiana State Fire Marshal was called to the scene and no body was recovered, the report stated.

Waguespack said his officers still are sorting out the details concerning the events leading to Rodriguez’s death.